I just saw this ‘what to pack’ post on Wesleying (another really good blog that you should totally add to your browser bookmarks) and thought I’d add a couple suggestions to their pretty extensive list. This list was intentionally long and detailed, so first off, don’t feel compelled to bring everything on it. I’ve survived my career at Wes without a swiss army knife or sewing needles–though, I still have another year, so who knows!

Obviously you’ll want essentials like bedding, towels, medication, and can’t-leave-behind-souvenirs, but you’ll be surprised how much useful stuff you’ll be able to salvage once your on campus. In particular look out for waste not, a tag-sale held around arrival day that is packed with preowned dorm room goods. I’ll let you all use your judgement for the rest of the list, but do want to make some specific recommendations regarding schools supplies.

I think the most important part of this list is getting binders/notebooks for your classes. As neat and clean as you’ll get your rooms to be upon moving in, even the most organized at heart will succumb to the chaos of living in a college dorm room at one point or another. While this is totally normal, it’s important to separate your messy room from your school papers. Getting a binder for all your classes is a great way to manage your documents and be able to evacuate to uncluttered study spots conveniently. With the binders I recommend bringing a hole puncher (seriously, get one it’s a life saver), dividers and loose leaf paper.

I swear I’m not working for staples but just to be totally helpful these are the specs with links that I recommend:

-Binder: Avery Durable 1 ” Binder for each class (explore the colors) + dividers. These binders are very good quality and will last many semesters. Save in the long run.

Additionally–not sure if this is too obvious–bring your favorite pens and pencils. Sometimes the selection at the bookstore doesn’t fit everyone’s needs so if you’re attached to a certain kind of writing utensil, bring a bunch to stay covered for the semester.

Last and certainly not least, bring or think about how you’d like to use a planner. We’ll be supplying all students with with a small 5″x7″ Wesleyan one which works well for most and has key Wes-specific dates already marked in them. However for those who prefer bigger planners or even digital formats, be sure to arrive with a planner plan in mind with the necessary materials.

Let’s face it: packing for school is hard. For the most part, you’re not sure what you’ll need and want, especially when space is limited. This goes for school supplies and most of the items on the wesleying list. The main thing to ask yourself when planning out your own list is what must I have for the first few days of class and what is more flexible? I think having a binder for notes, something to write with, and a planner for ‘to-do’s’ falls in the ‘must’ category and is worth pursuing early; however, as will generally be the case in college, the choice is yours.